William M. Casey, a former deputy police chief in New York City, who played a pivotal but often overlooked role in the “Dirty 30” corruption investigation, passed away on November 9 at his home in Pleasantville, NY. He was 78.
The cause of death was complications from a stroke and Parkinson’s disease, as confirmed by his daughter Kimberly Wildey.
Unsung Hero of the “Dirty 30” Police Corruption
Casey emerged as a central figure in the notorious “Dirty 30” scandal, hailed as the largest single-county police corruption case in the history of the New York City Police Department.
The investigation, triggered by the Police Corruption Commission established in 1992 by then-Mayor David N. Dinkins and chaired by Judge Milton Mollen, uncovered rampant corruption within the West Harlem district’s 30th Precinct.
While the scandal ultimately led to indictments against 34 officers, with 30 facing convictions for offenses ranging from perjury and civil rights violations to stealing drugs and cash from drug dealers, it was Casey’s behind-the-scenes efforts that facilitated the success of the operation.
The undercover investigation was conducted within the police force, and Casey, recognized for his integrity, played a crucial role in navigating the complexities of operational and investigative challenges.
Michael E. Horowitz, the assistant federal prosecutor overseeing the case, praised Casey’s unique qualifications, stating, “I can’t imagine anyone who could have navigated the challenging minefield of operational and investigative issues.”
Mary Jo White, who led the US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York during the prosecution, acknowledged that only Casey’s reputation for integrity persuaded Judge Mollen to allow the police to investigate themselves.
She emphasized Casey’s instrumental role in convincing superiors to continue the undercover operation to expose additional corrupt officers.
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The Journey of William M. Casey
Born on February 8, 1945, in Mount Vernon, NY, Casey’s career in law enforcement spanned three decades.
After serving in the Air Force as a radio surveillance analyst, he joined the Westchester County Parkway Police before commencing his tenure with the New York Police Department in 1969.
Throughout his career, Casey held various roles, commanding intelligence and investigative units, overseeing police operations in the Bronx, and earning almost 50 medals.
Even after retiring from the police force in 2000, Casey continued his public service, serving as chief investigator for the New York State Attorney General until 2007 and later as the New York State Probation Commissioner in 2009.
In addition to his contributions to law enforcement, Casey pursued higher education, earning a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Long Island University during his deployment.
William M. Casey is survived by his daughters Kathleen Nazarenko and Bronwyn Hertz, his brothers John and Richard, and five grandchildren.
His wife, Mary Ann (Borck) Casey, and son William Jr. preceded him in death. Casey’s passing marks the loss of a dedicated public servant whose commitment to justice left an indelible impact on law enforcement and the fight against corruption.
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